By law, university officials must announce the presidential finalist 21 days before any employment decision is final. But the names of candidates can be kept confidential, as university leaders have done in this search.

"Some people would have liked a more open search, but I guarantee we would have lost somewhere between half and two-thirds of our candidates," said Bob Stafford, a Tech regent and the presidential search committee chairman.

Three finalists - whittled from an initial pool of more than 100 - had interviews with faculty and administrators earlier this month, Stafford said.

"All (three) candidates have superb academic credentials," said Stafford, addressing faculty fears the next president might be more business than academically oriented.

The university conducted a national search. It hired an outside firm, Academic Search, and its senior consultant, Robert Lawless to help, Stafford said. Lawless is a former Tech president.

Candidates could apply independently or be nominated to the search pool, Stafford said.

Outgoing president Jon Whitmore, who has lead the university since 2003, resigned in February.

He is expected to assume the presidency of San Josˇ State University on Aug. 1.